FR/resilient perpendicular-laid nonwovens containing cotton

Highloft nonwovens are low density fabrics characterized by a high ratio of thickness to weight per unit area. This research focuses on incorporating cotton into highlofts, which are usually made of synthetic fibers. The major problems with the use of cotton in highlofts are its high flammability and lack of resiliency. A finishing formulation was developed containing a flame retardant, diammonium phosphate/urea, and DMDHEU to impart flame resistance to highly flammable fabrics. Using the vertical flame test, the damage sustained was limited to charring in the vicinity of the instigating flame. The DMDHEU crosslinking agent was effective in improving compressional resistance and recovery. The finishing treatment produced a value-added FR/resilient perpendicular-laid cotton-containing nonwovens. The inclusion of 20-40% cotton in the highlofts is recommended.